How to Camp at California’s Northern Coast For Free

While visiting in the Redwoods National Park area, many opt to make reservations and stay at Northern California campgrounds. Many of the designated campsites at these campgrounds are reserved months in advance only to frustrate a family desiring a last minute place to camp. As U.S. Highway 101 leaves the town of Orick, California, south toward the freshwater lagoon, there is a strip of beachfront for well over a mile that the State of California allows for camping, for free. The motor home or travel trailer can park in any available space, while the tent camper claims a spot on the beach on a first come first serve basis. With no numbered spots, any beach area will do, providing fair allowance is made for a neighbor. This is a prime location for a western sunset or a beach fire.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Camping supplies
• Beachwear, hat

1. Travel north up U.S. Highway 101 past Eureka toward Orick. The beachfront camping is along the coast adjacent to the Freshwater Lagoon.
2. Check immediately with the camp host to confirm parking or tent location, and also to confirm the optimal length of stay. See Resources to book a site.
3. Opt to set up tent along the south bluff area. The bluff acts as a buffer from the wind.
4. Climb the bluff, via a trail, and get an amazing view of the rugged coastline.
5. Cross the highway, busy at times, and explore the area around Freshwater Lagoon. Tall reeds and cattails provide cover for many migrating waterfowl.
6. Plan for a low tide and negotiate the rock outcropping at the south beach impasse. Walk between the rocks and discover a pristine beach beyond, below an extensive cliff: a private beach. But wait too long and the tide will make returning to the camp treacherous!
7. Plan to stop in Eureka prior to reaching the campground and get necessary camping supplies. Leaving an already secured parking space may result in a lengthy walk when returning. Once the space is vacated, a new arrival may claim it.
8. Options for dining in Eureka are many, but again, the idea is to secure a parking spot at the camp. While there are plenty places to set up tent, the parking spaces tend to fill up by mid-afternoon in the summer.

Tips & Warnings

• Note that since the campground is free, places along the beach can degenerate into a party atmosphere, so if the visitor wants peace and quiet, selecting a location on the fringes are recommended.